Original Item: Only One Available. This is a very nice example of the classic Danish Model 1772 Flintlock Pistol, a massive military handgun used by both Danish Army dragoons and the Royal Danish Navy. These pistols are exceptionally scarce today, particularly when found in their original flintlock configuration.

Adopted in 1772, the pistol features a substantial 13 inch barrel and measures approximately 20 1/2 inches overall. Its successor, the Danish Model 1806, followed a similar design but was fitted with a shorter 10 1/2 inch barrel and omitted the ramrod. This example is believed to date from the 1772-1793, placing it within the years of the American Revolutionary War era as well as the broader period leading into the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars.

The breech bears what appears to be an ELG Liège proof. The standard ELG mark, representing Épreuve de Liège, was introduced under the French proof regulations of 1810-1811. Its presence indicates that the pistol was subsequently proofed or reproofed at the Liège Proof House, probably after its original manufacture. The mark does not establish that the pistol was originally made in Liège.

The pistol is stocked in wood and fitted with substantial brass furniture, including a distinctive long eared butt cap, flat side plate, ramrod pipes, and an extended trigger guard reaching nearly to the butt. The brass has developed an attractive mellow patina consistent with the pistol’s considerable age.

The number 43 appears on the side plate, barrel, and butt cap, making this a very well matched example. The barrel tang is additionally marked HN. The precise meaning of this marking is unknown, although it may represent an inventory, ownership, unit, or ship designation.

Condition is very good for a military pistol dating from the late 18th century. The metal and brass components display an appealing aged patina, while the stock shows expected handling wear and scattered marks from service. The lock remains fully functional, holding correctly at half cock and releasing at full cock.

Although there is no provenance connecting this particular pistol to American service, its estimated 1770s-1780s date places it within the American Revolutionary War era. Dutch merchants and trading networks supplied the American cause with substantial quantities of gunpowder, muskets, ammunition, and other military stores, much of it routed through the Dutch island of St. Eustatius. Dutch and Dutch/Liège firearms were used in North America during the conflict, and European arms of numerous national patterns reached American forces through these international supply networks. This remains a Danish military pistol, however, and the later Liège proof should not be interpreted as evidence of American Revolutionary War use.

The Model 1772 remained in service during the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars. Denmark initially pursued neutrality but became involved in conflict with Great Britain over control of Baltic trade and the League of Armed Neutrality. At the First Battle of Copenhagen in 1801, Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson led the main British attack against the heavily defended Danish line. During the battle, Nelson famously disregarded Admiral Sir Hyde Parker’s signal to withdraw, reportedly raising his telescope to his blind eye and declaring that he could not see the signal.

British forces returned in 1807, bombarding Copenhagen and compelling the surrender of the Danish fleet to prevent its possible use by France. Denmark subsequently aligned with Napoleon and continued fighting Britain through the remaining Napoleonic period.

Production of the Model 1772 is reported to have totaled approximately 5,000 pistols, making surviving examples genuinely scarce. This example is especially desirable due to its original flintlock configuration, matching number 43, substantial brass furniture, and later Liège proof.

Specifications:

Estimated Year of Manufacture: Circa 1780s
Model: Danish Model 1772
Serial Number: 43
Caliber: Approximately .69
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball and Black Powder
Barrel Length: 13 inches
Overall Length: 20 1/2 inches
Action: Flintlock
Loading System: Muzzle-Loaded

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